FAQs on children’s health in Singapore

Whether you already have children or you’re planning on starting a family in Singapore, there’s a lot to take note of, including health insurance for children, which vaccinations they need and even who to call during an emergency. Here, the team at UEX Global share some FAQs on children’s health in Singapore, from newborns to the late teens.

How can I get healthcare coverage for my newborn?

The cost of pregnancy, childbirth and infancy in Singapore is expensive so it’s key to get a solid insurance cover for both mum and bubs. When purchasing maternity coverage, check if it’ll cover your baby too. Some policies require a top-up to cover the child’s expenses, while others may need an additional policy for the child. UEX Global offers “child-only” plans with zero loading, which will come in useful in such cases.

It’s also a good idea to get an international insurance plan instead of a local one. Local plans tend to exclude paediatrician and vaccination fees, so having those covered under an international plan could help you save a ton.

Are there required vaccinations in Singapore?

There are mandatory vaccinations for children in Singapore. They include diphtheria and measles, which are necessary for kids to have in order to enter primary school. Beside these, children also need to be vaccinated for other conditions and infections such as mumps and rubella.

You can choose to go to a private or public hospital for your vaccinations. Prices of immunisations vary depending on residential status. In short, the price of a vaccination consists of three components: consultation fee, cost of the vaccine itself and vaccine administration fee. 

What should I do in case of an emergency?

Here are some Singapore emergency contacts which are great to have in your phone:

• Fire and emergency ambulance: 995
• Police: 999
• Non-emergency ambulance service: 1777
• Traffic police: 6547 0000

If you find yourself in such an emergency situation (hopefully not!), it’s good to know beforehand if your health insurance plan covers your children. It’ll help to know if they’re eligible for private or public hospital care as well as the kind of room (single or shared) they’ll get. If you’re unsure, contact your insurer and also request a Letter of Guarantee (LOG). With the LOG, you won’t have to worry about advancing the expenses and can focus on your child instead of paperwork.                                            

How can I get health insurance to cover my 18-year-old or an older child?

When your children officially become adults, whether or not they currently benefit from your health coverage, you’d need to check if they’re still eligible. Your child may be covered under the same policy as you but can only do so up to a certain age. With UEX, you can extend this until they’re 24 years old, if your children are not married and remain unemployed. If your “adult” child cannot be covered by your health insurance, you’ll need to get them individual health insurance.

As for pre-existing conditions, the same rules for adults apply to children. Before you can add your child to your insurance policy, you’ll need to declare these conditions. Your insurer will then decide whether to include or exclude them from your child’s contract.

You can also check if your child is eligible for student coverage. If they’re foreign students in Singapore (Student Pass), or have a Training Employment Pass, Work Holiday Pass or Training Work Permit, they could get a student subscription at a lower cost.

Want to know more about children’s health?

For more information, check out UEX Global’s Children’s Health Guide. It provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare for kids in Singapore.

Written in collaboration with:
UEX Global
hello@uexglobal.com | uexglobal.com

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